ADVANCES IN GLASS IONOMER CEMENTS

In recent years there have been a number of innovations and developments with respect to glass ionomer cements and their applications in clinical dentistry. this article considers some of the recent outstanding studies regarding the field of glass ionomer cement applications, adhesion and setting mechanisms, types, advantage and disadvantages among themselves and also to enhance the physical and antibacterial properties under the title of 'advances in glass ionomer cements'. as their biological compatibility and fluoride ion release, these materials are being used in several cilinical applications such as cavity base, permanent restorations of deciduos teeth, cementation of crowns, orthodontic bands and space maintainers, and sealing the fissures of newly erupting permanent molar. lately, in order to enhance the physical properties, setting reactions are being modified besides the changes in powder/liquid ratio. products like equia, which are new in dental market, seem to be appealing because of their superior physical properties. in this review article, innovations in espacially the restorative types of glass ionomer cements are discussed.